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GUARANA
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Guarana is a tropical vine, whose coiled tendrils climb through the trees of the Amazon rain forest... |
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GUARANA |
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| Guarana seeds are used to promote weight loss, enhance performance & reduce fatige. |
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| The name comes from the Guarani Indians of northern Brazil. This tribe, like many others in the area, has been making a stimulating drink from guarana seeds for centuries. The fruit of the guarana vine are bright red, splitting open when ripe to reveal a shiny black seed partially embedded in a white pulp. From below, these split fruits look like eyes, staring down at those below. Guarana seeds are very rich in caffeine. The authentic drink/infusion made from the seeds has three to four times the caffeine content of strong coffee. |
Guarana has always been used, in part, for its natural and powerful stimulating effects. Research also shows it was originally used to relieve pain (often from headache), decrease fever and hypertension, as well as treat diarrhea. Since the early 1900's, Guarana extracts have been added to carbonated beverages. In the 1940's, guarana soda became known as Brazil's national drink. Use of guarana has spread to both Europe and North America, marketed for its ability to increase mental alertness, decrease fatigue and increase stamina. As such, it is included in a number of energy and sports drinks.
Originally, it was believed that a constituent known as guaranine was responsible for guarana's medicinal properties. We now know that guaranine is nothing more than caffeine. That being said, caffeine does have some well documented medicinal properties of its own. It stimulates the central nervous system, increases heart rate, raises blood glucose levels and acts as a diuretic and appetite suppressant. This is also why guarana can be found in a number of weight loss supplements. The seeds also contain tannins, which act as an astringent/have a drying effect and may explain why it can be used to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea. Studies in Brazil have also shown guarana to inhibit platelet aggregation.
There is no proven effective dose for guarana, although individuals are advised not to exceed 3 g daily. Individuals suffering from heart problems, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or any anxiety/nervous disorder should talk to their health care professional before taking guarana, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Do not take guarana while pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid diet supplements that combine ephedra with guarana, as life threatening side effects have been reported. |
GUARANA – QUICK
FACTS
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PARTS USED |
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Seeds |
INDICATIONS
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Fatigue, Performance enhancement, Weight loss. |
OPTIMUM DOSAGE
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Unknown. Do not exceed 3 g daily. |
WORKS WELL WITH |
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green tea extract, yerba mate extract, bacopa, ginkgo biloba, CLA |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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Individuals suffering from heart problems, including high blood pressure, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or any anxiety/nervous disorder should talk to their health care professional before taking guarana, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Do not take guarana while pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid diet supplements that combine ephedra with guarana. |
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